Owen William "Bill" Farley

Owen William "Bill" Farley, age 90, passed away on August 30, 2025, surrounded lovingly by his family. He lived a life full of love, service, and adventure, with a deep devotion to family, faith, and community.

Bill was born on November 5, 1934, in his grandparents’ home in Heber City, Utah, the eldest of Owen Theodore Farley and Avis Horner’s three sons. From a young age, he developed a deep and lasting love for the Heber Valley. As a boy, he spent his days there fishing in local streams, riding horses, skiing down nearby hills, and helping his grandfather at the power plant.

Bill grew up in Salt Lake City. His home on Redondo Avenue was the setting for many happy memories. At age 16, he faced the tragic loss of his father, a Salt Lake City police officer, who was killed in the line of duty. Despite this hardship, he showed great resilience -- giving devoted strength and support to his mother and brothers, while at the same time excelling in academics and athletics at South High School. At South High, he served as student body president and earned All-State honors in football, basketball, and track all three years. At a BYU invitational track meet, he set the state record for the 440-yard dash that held for many years. He made lifelong friends at South High and devotedly fulfilled a campaign promise to plan and host class reunions every five years, with the last being their 70th high school reunion in 2023.

The summer after graduation, Bill met the love of his life, Mary Siggard, at the Grand Central Market. Even though she was on a date, he boldly asked for her number. A few weeks later, on August 27, 1953, he took her on their first date—to the circus—with his mother and two younger brothers. Mary fell in love that very night, touched by the kindness and warmth Bill showed to his family.

Just two weeks after that memorable evening, Bill left for Yale University on a full-ride academic and football scholarship. Although they were miles apart, their connection only deepened as Bill wrote Mary love letters every single day during his first year at college.

While at Yale, Bill quickly gained national attention for his athletic talent. During his sophomore year, he famously ran four touchdowns against Army, prompting The New York Times to ask, “Where did they get this kid from?”

During his summer break, Bill and Mary’s love deepened, and they became engaged. On December 17, 1954, they were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple—a union built on faith, loyalty, and an unshakable bond that would last a lifetime.

Together, Bill and Mary built a beautiful life—raising five children and later welcoming 21 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren. Their home was a haven of love, faith, and unwavering support.

They cherished family adventures, with favorite trips to Yellowstone, Disneyland, Alaska, and Hawaii. Bill has passed down his love for the ocean, Old Faithful, mountain views, sunsets, golf, Hot Tamales, and the joy of capturing life’s special moments through photos to his posterity. One of their most beloved gathering places was the family cabin in Midway, built with close friends and filled with memories. It became a treasured family retreat.

For over 70 years, Bill and Mary were a remarkable team—showing up, time and again, for their family, friends, and community. Through hard work, thoughtful planning, and wise investment, they created a life rooted in stability and anchored in their faith. They prayed together, sang together, danced together, and held hands wherever they went—a quiet, beautiful example of enduring love.

Bill dedicated his career to the University of Utah, where he earned his Doctorate and served as a professor in the College of Social Work for 48 years. He also proudly served in the United States Air Force as a mental health provider.

At the University, Bill took on several key leadership roles, including Director of the Doctoral and Master degree Programs, Associate Dean for Research, and the Director of the Social Research Institute. His influence extended far beyond campus as he practiced rural social work in Southern Utah and Alaska, bringing much-needed mental health support to struggling families in underserved communities.

Ever generous with his knowledge—even to his rival school to the south—Bill spent two years helping to establish the Social Work program at BYU, serving as its director during that time.

Throughout his career, he co-founded the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program, authored six books (with Mary as his chief editor), and received numerous honors and awards for his work and service. Perhaps most importantly, he inspired and shaped generations of social workers through both his teaching and example. Bill truly loved the energy of a college campus and believed deeply in the power and promise of education and service.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bill loved attending church. Until the final weeks of his life, Bill and Mary could be found on the second pew of the chapel every Sunday morning. Bill faithfully served in many capacities -- including as bishop of the Holladay 12th Ward, a counselor in a university stake presidency, and as a dedicated temple worker in the Draper Utah Temple. He was always striving to uplift and support those in his church community. His faith in Jesus Christ was a guiding force in his life.

Bill loved exploring the world with Mary, from Africa to Europe to Asia, he embraced the people and cultures he encountered. Together they escorted many tour and cruise groups. They were always the life of the party, loved by all who traveled with them. Bill’s love of people and places is captured well in his favorite Disneyland ride, “It’s a Small World”.

Above all, Bill believed in people—and especially in the power of family. Through life’s challenges, he taught by example how to overcome adversity, work hard, and love deeply. His legacy of love and faith will be treasured always.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his children: Michael (Jody) Farley, Deborah (Brian) Judd, Kathleen (Russ) Wright, Steven (Jolene) Farley, and Brenda (Ben) Staples; as well as their cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Doug (Lell) and Brent.

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 5, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, September 6, from 9:30–10:30 a.m., both at the Crescent Ridge Stake Center (11000 South 1300 East, Sandy, Utah). Funeral services will follow on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Services will be live-streamed on the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88568945942?pwd=hr4dJqMXiAlZLvtUVbaY4ttmH1MDU4.1

Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.